Where's the Voting Voltage?

With much aspiration, stampedes of politically informed activists have rushed over to City Hall to vote for Whyville's first Senator. A position not to be taken lightly, its rewards range from the power of decision making, having personal face parts made by our vary own fashion guru, and, of course, the much-revered bragging rights.

So far, many participants in this race for political superiority -- boys and girls, young and old -- have published themselves as worthy candidates. Political platforms have been made, articles have been written, and campaigns were established early, decorating the festive atmosphere...

When I saw the first announcement about plans for a Senator, I was excited that such an event could occur. However, as I read up on the platforms and scanned the petitions, I was surprised with the approach that many candidates chose to take. I know of one individual who is running, and I will say -- without, I think, being debated -- that she has become obsessed with the election. It's true that the stamina to win and do an admirable job could be signs of a good candidate. Nevertheless, an election on a website is nothing to be obsessed about, especially since your life involves so many other aspects outside of Whyville.

Many people have forgotten the true meaning of a political leader. Innumerable promises have been made, and I am sure the majority cannot be met. I have read about plans for clam showers, new chatrooms, bigger shopping venues, many new ideas that *will* require money. We know that Whyville does not have vast amounts of cash to spend. Instead of making promises involving physical changes that you know will get you votes, yet you have no way to actually make real, I believe a commendable candidate will pick another approach. I have not seen this yet.

How can a Senator have full control over the well-being of Whyville when City Hall has not figured out everything for herself? Surely, we do not want our Senator to be a Safety Patrol Worker's worst nightmare -- constantly being muted or fined out of punishment. You would want a candidate to be influential in the Whyville community. How do we know that the person who has been elected is not a bad-mouthing, potty-talk, safety endangering individual?

I have yet to see applicants for Senator go out into the public and broadcast themselves, or talk about their potential plans for the future. Posting your platform on a petition and longing for signatures is one thing, but actually taking the initiative to get involved and show your rabidity and positions is another -- I know one individual has already planned campaign parties, mailed random citizens about plans, spoke up in chatrooms, and made campaign signs and buttons. Your activism may just get you the 125-or-so votes that are required for your platform to reach the next level of our election.